Greece is taking center stage as China and governments around the world asked its help to evacuate their citizens trapped in conflict-torn Libya.

Violence in Libya has escalated since the ouster of despot Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

In an interview with The Associated Press, a Greek government official who opted to remain anonymous said that China has chartered a merchant vessel to help evacuate hundreds of Chinese citizens trapped in Libya.

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"We're getting new requests for assistance all the time," the official said.

The official has not given further details on the rescue operation because it is still being finalized.

The government of Greece is also stepping up in the rescue efforts with government officials from the Greek Defense Ministry confirming aid to foreigners caught in the middle of the conflict.

On late Thursday, Greece sent Salamis, a navy frigate, to rescue embassy staff members that include 70 Greek citizens and dozens from China, Britain, Cyprus and Malta.

Governments around the world have started evacuating their citizens when armed rival militias clashed that resulted in the bloodiest civil war in the country. According to reports, nearly 100 people died in the fighting, while 400 Libyans and foreigners were injured. A major portion of the airport in the country's capital, Tripoli, has also been destroyed.

Reports showed that many countries suspended their embassy operations in Tripoli. Among those are the United States and Greece. They have advised their citizens to leave Libya.

Meanwhile, the European Union said it was moving its mission assistance together with its staff members from Libya to Tunisia.

Spain and France also sent assistance earlier this week. Spain sent a plane to rescue 60 people, while France ordered two of its naval vessels to pick up 47 people who are mostly French citizens.

Albert del Rosario, foreign secretary of the Philippines, said he will fly to Djerba Island, which is near the Libyan border to ensure that 13,000 Filipino workers are safely evacuated from Tripoli, Misarata and Benghazi.

TagsGreece-China relations, Rescue operation, Libya, Greece